Introduction
Roanoke County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) technical rescue team operates in southwest Virginia. Their operating area includes a variety of terrain, and they respond to approximately 30 technical rescue calls per year. The number of wilderness calls continues to increase as Roanoke becomes an outdoor destination. Roanoke County EMS does not have specialized wilderness protocols or standard equipment.
Objectives
This study aims to evaluate the location, call type, and equipment used for Roanoke County technical search and rescue calls from 2014 to 2016 to develop standard equipment and protocols for wilderness rescue.
Methods
Data for technical rescue calls between 2014 and 2016 were analyzed for global positioning system coordinates, call type (trauma, lost, animal injury), and whether patient transport was required. An analysis of standard equipment carried by team members was conducted.
Results
From 2014 to 2016, Roanoke County EMS deployed on 90 technical rescue calls. A majority of calls took place at popular mountainous hiking areas along the Appalachian Trail, at either McAfee’s Knob (38%) or Dragon’s Tooth (26%), difficult locations to access by road. Based on the high percentage of incidents at these 2 locations, we further subdivided the data looking at Dragon’s Tooth and McAfee’s Knob. Of the total number of incidents (n=59) occurring at McAfee’s Knob and Dragon’s Tooth, 40.6% (n=24) involved trauma, 55.9% (n=33) involved lost hikers, and 0% (n=0) involved animal injury. Victim transport was required in 20.3% (n=12) of calls. Response teams consisted of 7 to 10 EMS personnel, typically equipped with basic life support EMS kits.
Conclusions
Most technical rescue calls for Roanoke County EMS take place at 2 popular locations along the Appalachian trail, and many patients require transport. These data will be used to create standard wilderness equipment bags and protocols as well as training to more safely and efficiently respond to calls in our area.